Researchers at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) are advancing the development of disease-resistant banana varieties to tackle the Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV), a virus spread by banana aphids. This virus has been reported in multiple African nations, such as Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia.
According to The Citizen, IITA scientist Happyness Mpanda stated, "Banana seedlings resistant to BBTV have been sent to Bukavu, DRC for screening." Currently, no chemical treatment or cure exists for BBTV. The primary control method involves uprooting and destroying infected plants while sourcing new seedlings from disease-free suppliers.
Efforts to curb BBTV include IITA's screening of 72 banana varieties to assess their resistance, with resistant varieties advancing to the banana product development phase. In Tanzania, the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) reported BBTV's initial detection in Kigoma in 2020, having spread from Burundi. The virus has since reached Dar es Salaam, Coast, Morogoro, Mbeya, Kilimanjaro, Kigoma, and Mwanza.
Experts emphasize the necessity of halting the movement of infected banana plants to prevent further spread. In Kenya, banana farming is vital for food security and income, especially in Meru, Kisii, Murang'a, and Nyamira. Although BBTV is not widespread there, preventive measures are recommended. The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) has increased surveillance to monitor banana seedling movement and ensure disease-free planting materials. Farmers are advised to report suspicious symptoms and adopt integrated pest management strategies to control aphid populations.
Source: The Eastleigh Voice